Shelters will not place black cats during Halloween

Tuesday

Oct 28, 2008 at 10:31 AMOct 29, 2008 at 9:31 AM

BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA Staff Writer

For many people, Halloween is a fun time of the year when the streets are taken over by all manner of ghouls, princesses and super heroes. But there is also a dark side to the holiday that involves cruelty to animals — specifically cats.

"We do not adopt out black cats for the entire month of October just to be safe," said Kathy Williamson, manager of the Victor Valley Animal Protection League in Apple Valley.

There have been incidents in the past where black cats have been used in cult activities, Williamson said, but not in recent years.

According to Janja Lalich, an associate professor of sociology at California State University at Chico, an expert on cults, these rare acts are usually committed by teenage pranksters or emerging psychopaths. She added that adolescents dabbling in Satanism most likely commit the acts more for shock value than out of religious belief.

But many in the animal protection community feel the threat is enough to take precautionary measures.

"It is better to be safe than sorry," said Kelly Malloy, spokeswoman for the city of Hesperia. She said that the Hesperia shelter also does not place black cats during the month of October.

While the occurrences are rare, Williamson said that if someone wants a cat, they will find a way to get one.

"They will take a cat out of a yard, if they really want to," Williamson said, and warns pet owners to be vigilant.

Some of the other dangers that face pet owners during this time is the loss of a pet.

"With so many people out on the streets, some animals can become frightened and can run away," Malloy said.

Sometimes trick or treaters may actually open up fences and let the animals out as a prank, Williamson said.

"This is why it is important that people microchip their pets," Williamson said. "We are able to reunite about 90 percent of chipped animals that find their way into our shelter."

The Victor Valley APL will implant microchips in pets for $15 Wednesday through Friday at 21779 Zuni Road in Apple Valley.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela can be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@vvdailypress.com.

Keeping pets safe on Halloween• Keep all pets, especially cats and small dogs, indoors or behind a locked gate.• Do not trick or treat with pets as they can become frightened and run away.• Make sure pets are microchipped so they can be returned if found.• Place live-flame decorations like candles and jack-o'-lanterns out of your pet's reach.• Keep candy away from pets.• Resist the urge to put your pet in a costume.